• The Florida panther's watchful gaze- Courtesy- Ralph Arwood

    Big Cypress

    National Preserve Florida

There are park alerts in effect.
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  • Fire Activity

    Currently there is fire activity within the Preserve. More »

  • 2013 Zone 4 Closure

    Beginning at 12:01 am Monday, April 8, 2013, the Zone 4 airboat access within Big Cypress National Preserve will be closed due to low water conditions. More »

  • Interstate 75 Mile Marker 63 Closure

    Beginning summer of 2013 the rest area and backcountry access at mile marker 63 will be closed due to construction. More »

  • Campground Closures

    Beginning Monday, May 13 through Friday, August 16 camping will be available at the Midway Campground and the “loop” in the Bear Island Campground within Big Cypress National Preserve. All other established campgrounds will be closed. More »

Hunting

A long-established recreational activity in the area, hunters were instrumental in protecting this corner of remote, wild Florida. Hunting activities continue today and include seasons for archery, muzzle loading and general gun. Typical game species are white-tailed deer, turkey and hogs. Alligator hunting is not allowed within the national preserve.

Hunting within the Preserve is managed cooperatively between the National Park Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

 
  • Off-road vehicle and hunting access related to surface water Off-road vehicle and hunting access related to surface water

    An overview of hydrologic conditions to be considered. Read More

  • Complete your backcountry permit online Complete your backcountry permit online

    Get one today! Read More

  • Hunting Rules & Regulations Hunting Rules & Regulations

    This link takes you to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's page for the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area. You can find the up to date rules brochure there. Read More

Did You Know?

Ervin at the Gator Hook saloon on Loop Road.

Ervin T. Rouse (1917-1981) wrote one of the most popular fiddling tunes of all time..."Orange Blossom Special"...about the luxury train from Orlando to Miami. He was a resident of the Loop Road area and a friend of the Seminoles.